Chemo Round # 5

Hello All,

I know it has been a while since I last posted.  The lack of posting was due to having a pretty difficult time for a while (there definitely is a cumulative aspect to these chemos).  And then, when I was finally feeling better, it was about just trying to get as much done to be ready for the next chemo round. Fortunately everything came together in time.  Thank you to everyone who made that possible for me.  I am so grateful.

I completed my fifth chemo round this past Thursday.  It hit early and I had new symptoms this time.  My veins are getting tired and so am I 🙂  But, I am getting through it.  I am feeling better today than yesterday and will feel better tomorrow than today.  That is something to certainly look forward to.

The current plan right now is that I will have my sixth chemo round on July 16th.  Then I will likely have surgery (a bilateral mastectomy) the first week of August.  The recovery time will be about 4 to 6 weeks.  So, I will be gearing up for that soon.  I have opted to have a bi-lateral mastectomy for preventive reasons.  My cancer is in my right breast and not in my left breast.  However, the risk of recurrence is high with the type of cancer that I have.  So, I am doing everything I can to reduce that risk.  Surgery is just one of the ways to reduce the risk of recurrence.  Diet and, in particular, exercise, can dramatically reduce the risk of recurrence of this disease.  I am not running any marathons today.  But, I will get out for a few walks as soon as I am able.  And, I will get back into the gym within the week.

Please continue to keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I do battle.  Your support, prayers, friendship, thoughtfulness all play a significant role in my survival and my well being.  In a few days I will post an article here about breast cancer survival – studies have shown that breast cancer patients with moderately severe breast cancer (stage 2) have a 60% greater chance of survival when they have support of friends and family.  It completely makes sense I guess, but it is also remarkable to read (at least it was for me).

I love you all and look forward to many, many, many healthy years ahead.

Lisa